FAI vs. IGLD

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

FAI (First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF) and IGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FAI is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index, while IGLD is a Gold fund actively managed by First Trust. FAI is passively managed, while IGLD is actively managed. Over the past year, FAI returned 44.95% vs 14.74% for IGLD. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FAI charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for IGLD.

Performance

FAI vs. IGLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAI achieves a 26.42% return, which is significantly higher than IGLD's -6.87% return.

FAI

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: -5.46%
• 6M: 25.44%
• YTD: 26.42%
• 1Y: 44.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IGLD

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -6.28%
• 6M: -11.44%
• YTD: -6.87%
• 1Y: 14.74%
• 3Y*: 19.39%
• 5Y*: 12.03%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FAI vs. IGLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	26.42%	33.37%	2.28%
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	-6.87%	47.46%	-0.45%

Correlation

The correlation between FAI and IGLD is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2024	0.13

The correlation between FAI and IGLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.13 (all time) to 0.28 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FAI vs. IGLD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FAI

FAI Risk / Return Rank: 54
FAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
FAI Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

IGLD

IGLD Risk / Return Rank: 20
IGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
IGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
IGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 22
IGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
IGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 19

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FAI vs. IGLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FAI	IGLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	0.60	+1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	0.92	+1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.13	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.40	0.62	+1.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.96	1.57	+5.38

FAI vs. IGLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is higher than the IGLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAI and IGLD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FAI vs. IGLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAI drawdown since its inception was -27.82%, which is greater than IGLD's maximum drawdown of -23.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAI and IGLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAI	IGLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.82%	-23.84%	-3.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.84%	-23.84%	+5.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.84%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.20%	-22.30%	+12.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.52%	-5.55%	+0.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.48%	9.39%	-2.91%

Volatility

FAI vs. IGLD - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) has a higher volatility of 11.47% compared to FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) at 7.01%. This indicates that FAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IGLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FAI	IGLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.47%	7.01%	+4.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.81%	22.42%	+1.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.24%	24.88%	+3.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.15%	15.66%	+15.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.15%	15.40%	+15.75%

FAI vs. IGLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAI has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than IGLD's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAI vs. IGLD - Dividend Comparison

FAI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.41%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	21.41%	9.91%	20.81%	7.85%	4.45%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAI and IGLD in my portfolio?

FAI and IGLD have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FAI or IGLD?

FAI has higher volatility (11.47%) compared to IGLD (7.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAI dropped -27.82% vs IGLD's -23.84%.

Which ETF is better, FAI or IGLD?

On 1-year performance, FAI leads with 44.95% vs 14.74% for IGLD. On fees, FAI is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, IGLD has been the lower-risk option at 7.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FAI or IGLD?

Over the 1-year period, FAI has performed better with a 44.95% return vs 14.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAI or IGLD?

FAI is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for IGLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAI or IGLD?

IGLD has the higher dividend yield at 21.41%, compared with 0.00% for FAI.

What is the main difference between FAI and IGLD?

FAI is categorized as Technology Equities, while IGLD is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FAI and 0.85% for IGLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 0.60), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.